River Bandits outlast Cougars to move into first
GENEVA, Ill. - After losing an early 5-0 lead and trailing 8-5 in the seventh inning Thursday night, the Quad Cities River Bandits tied the Kane County Cougars in the eighth inning, and left fielder Terrell Joyce hit a go-ahead double in the 10th inning of a 9-8 win at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.
Early rain and the return of chilly temperatures that surrounded the opening weekend two weeks ago could not cool off the River Bandits as visitors to Kane County. With their fifth win in as many games at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark, the River Bandits (9-3) moved one-half game ahead of Cedar Rapids (9-4) for first place in the Midwest League Western Division. However, Quad Cities fell behind Kane County (4-8) for the first time in a game this season before rallying to win the third consecutive extra-inning game between the clubs.
The River Bandits took a 5-0 lead by putting their first six batters on base in the second inning against right-hander Lendy Castillo. First baseman Jesse Wierzbicki tripled, third baseman Rio Ruiz walked, and catcher Roberto Peña hit an RBI single. Right fielder Ariel Ovando then snapped an 0-for-21 skid with a three-run home run to right field. Joyce followed with a double, giving the River Bandits the combined cycle through the first five batters of the inning. Joyce scored when Cougars center fielder Trey Martin misplayed a single by River Bandits center fielder Teoscar Hernandez.
The Cougars answered against left-hander Colton Cain in the next half-inning with a three-run home run by catcher Willson Contreras. Cain also allowed three straight hits to start the third inning, and an error by Ovando in right field on a single by first baseman Dan Vogelbach, allowed two runs to score and tie the game. Designated hitter Rock Shoulders broke the 5-5 tie with a single up the middle to drive in Vogelbach. Shoulders later scored on a wild pitch by Cain to make it 7-5. Quad Cities right-hander Gera Sanchez started the fourth inning and allowed an RBI single to Marco Hernandez, who led the Cougars with three hits.
River Bandits right-hander Mike Hauschild (1-0) started the sixth inning and held Kane County to one hit and two walks while striking out one batter in four shutout innings. Meanwhile, Quad Cities came back against right-hander Justin Amlung, who started the fifth inning and kept Quad Cities scoreless until the seventh, when second baseman Austin Elkins drew a leadoff walk, and designated hitter Chase Davidson singled to center field. Consecutive groundouts by Wierzbicki and third baseman Ryan Dineen drove in both runners to make it 8-7. Joyce reached on a fielder's choice in the eighth inning and scored on an RBI double by Teoscar Hernandez.
In an 8-8 tie against right-hander Stephen Perakslis, right fielder Jordan Scott drew a one-out walk and ran on the pitch that Joyce drove to the right-center gap for his second double and third hit of the night. Right-hander John Neely pitched a perfect 10th inning with one strikeout for his second save.
Thursday's victory means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Friday, April 19. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Friday, April 19. The River Bandits and Cougars play again at 6:30 p.m. Friday, when left-hander Brian Holmes (1-0) and right-hander Jordan Jankowski (0-0) are scheduled to pitch for Quad Cities against right-hander Pierce Johnson (0-1).
UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park for a six-game home stand beginning Thursday, April 25, with Manti Te'o Night and a Thirst-Day with $2 drink specials presented by Rock 104-9, the Quad Cities' CW, and the River Cities' Reader. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is scheduled to open in June, along with a dual zip line, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!